Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are held to a strict liability standard for injuries their dogs inflict, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior. If you have sustained a dog bite in Fresno, our legal team provides the professional advocacy needed to document the incident and address legal exceptions such as provocation or trespassing. We focus on seeking the recovery permitted under California law for medical expenses, lost wages, and the long-term impact of physical or emotional scarring.
Why Choose Us?
- Our attorneys have been handling dog bite injury claims in Fresno since 1972.
- Jacoby & Meyers has a 50-year history of providing dedicated legal advocacy for personal injury victims throughout California. Our firm has secured more than $2 billion in total recoveries for our clients, a factually substantiated record that reflects our deep procedural knowledge of the California court system and our experience in managing complex litigation.
- Our attorneys have collected over $2 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- We take pride in handling every case with the utmost care – big or small.
- You will not pay attorney fees unless we secure a recovery in your Fresno dog bite case; however, clients may remain responsible for certain advanced case costs regardless of the outcome.
How Can a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Fresno Help With This Case?
Navigating California’s dog bite laws can be difficult, especially while you are also trying to recover from your injuries. Insurance companies put themselves first, and may resist paying what you are owed for your mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our legal team provides professional advocacy by managing the communication and evidentiary requirements of your insurance claim. A Fresno dog bite attorney can perform a comprehensive investigation to document the facts of the incident, identify the liable parties, and represent your interests throughout the negotiation and litigation process. Our goal is to seek the recovery permitted under California law for your documented medical expenses and other losses.
Holding Someone Liable for a Dog Bite Injury in Fresno
California’s dog bite law (Civil Code § 3342) states: the owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.
California operates under a strict liability dog bite statute (Civil Code § 3342). Under this law, the owner of a dog is legally responsible for the damages sustained by an individual who is bitten while in a public place or lawfully on private property. This standard applies regardless of whether the owner had prior knowledge of the dog’s viciousness or whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before. While you are not required to prove negligence to seek recovery under this statute, certain exceptions—such as provocation, trespassing, or the use of military/police dogs—may be raised as legal defenses.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Dog Attack in Fresno
If you get bitten by a dog, immediately get to a safe place and seek professional medical treatment. Keep copies of your medical bills and records. Report the bite to the Fresno County authorities. Get the pet owner’s contact information so you can file a claim with his or her property insurance company. If the pet owner does not have insurance or denies liability for your losses, consult with an attorney for professional help with your claim.
Contact Our Fresno Dog Bite Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A dog attack can happen swiftly, leaving you with the difficult process of recovering physically, emotionally and financially. If you are a victim of a recent dog bite injury in Fresno, the attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers can help you with the process ahead. We can use our legal expertise in dog bite injury law to navigate your claim and achieve the best possible results.
Contact us for a free consultation to learn more. We will review your case and answer any legal questions you may have. Call our Fresno law office at (559) 545-0730 today.
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Fresno
516 W Shaw Ave #200,
Fresno, CA 93704